The Great Read: Handsome at Any Cost
Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, has emerged as a beacon for a group of narcissistic, status-obsessed young men. He wants to take his fixation with “looksmaxxing” mainstream.
The New York Times
The Great Read

February 13, 2026, 2:00 p.m. Eastern time

On weekdays and Sundays, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

Braden Peters, holding his chin in his hand, wearing a navy short-sleeve polo and a silver watch.

Cassidy Araiza for The New York Times

Handsome at Any Cost

Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, has emerged as a beacon for a group of narcissistic, status-obsessed young men. He wants to take his fixation with “looksmaxxing” mainstream.

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